‘Insult of national flag’: Complaint filed against Hardik Pandya over T20 WC celebrations. india news
New Delhi: A complaint has been filed against Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya accusing him of disrespecting the national flag during celebrations after India’s victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Lawyer Wajid Khan Bidkar had filed a complaint at the Shivaji Nagar police station, accusing the all-rounder of disrespecting the tricolor during the celebrations at the team ground after the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium.According to the complaint, several videos of the victory celebration went viral on social media, in which Pandya is seen celebrating with the national flag draped over his shoulder. The complainant alleged that the cricketer was seen dancing during the ceremony and later lying down on the stage with the flag wrapped around him.Khan has argued that the act is disrespectful to the national flag and a violation of the provisions of the Prevention of Insults to National Honor Act, 1971.Khan told ANI, “You must have seen the celebration of the T20 World Cup. Hardik Pandya was dancing with his girlfriend in celebration of their victory. The national flag was tied on his back.”He said, “As per Section 2 of the National Flag Act of 1971, we must respect the dignity of the national flag. However, Hardik Pandya was so engrossed in the celebrations that he was lying with his girlfriend wearing the national flag. I believe this is an insult to the national flag.”Khan said he initially faced questions from the police about jurisdiction after the incident took place in Ahmedabad. However, he stressed that the complaint could still be filed because the national flag represents the entire country.He said, “When I went to lodge a complaint, they told me that the incident happened there, not here. I told them that the national flag is the symbol of the entire country, and we can lodge a complaint here. They have accepted my complaint and given me a copy.”A police officer at Shivaji Nagar police station confirmed that the application had been received, but did not give further details about the possible action.This complaint comes after India’s spectacular victory over the New Zealand national cricket team in the final on Sunday. India successfully defended their T20 World Cup title by defeating New Zealand by 96 runs.This victory proved to be a historic milestone for the Indian national cricket team. The team became the first team to win the T20 World Cup on home soil, the first team to achieve consecutive titles after the 2024 victory, and the first country to win the trophy three times, having previously won in 2007 and 2024.



